Community is Everything

Chatham Foods Market has identified itself as a true community store though its interaction with local businesses, churches, block clubs, and community organizations.  We are proud to be more than a grocery store; we have and will continue to cultivate relationships with the community we serve and the organizations that share our commitment to sustainability.

Chatham Foods Market maintains an ongoing commitment to having a positive effect in our community, both economically and ecologically. Each year we give thousands of dollars to local non-profits, schools, activist organizations and artists. More importantly we also donate our time to local fairs.

We support dozens of community events and celebrations through sponsorships, food donations, and gift certificates. We're also dedicated to creating opportunity and enhancing the quality of life in the communities where our shoppers, producers, and employees live and work. We demonstrate our commitment to our community by generating jobs, income, and economic growth.

Community Partners

We maintain a working relationship with many local community organizations, some are:

• The 6^th Ward Alderman's Office
• Chatham Business Association
• Chesterfield Community Council
• Chatham/Avalon Park Community Council (CAPCC)
• Greater Chatham Alliance (GCA)
• Saint Dorothy Church and School

Celebrations

Celebrating friends, family and community is important to everyone. Whether it’s a summer cookout or just sampling some food from local vendors during a block party, we want to be there for you.  Some other celebrations we are more than happy to share with you, are:

• Mother’s day
• Memorial Day
• Father’s day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day

Our Holiday Program

During the holiday seasons we support different food programs including the local food pantry and the turkey give-a-way though WVON Radio’s “Turkey Run.”  We also support The Salvation Army’s Angle Tree Program.  Also, we work with the Feather First Organization’s annual coat drive with QBG and The Citizen Paper to provide coats for children and adults during the winter.

Supporting Local and African American Vendors

Chatham Foods Market is committed to supporting local and African American vendors and vendors just breaking into the marketplace.

Student Work Program

Chatham Foods Market has become a training ground for potential employees through various student work program:  The Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development, SER’S Jobs for Progress, and Jobs for Youth Summer Programs.

Sponsorship and Donations

Part of being a cooperative business means we are committed to our community; we set aside a budget for sponsorship and donations each year. We are happy to consider requests for donations and sponsorships from any local non-profit group or event.

Chatham Food market seeks to support local events and programs with the following goals:

• Community & consumer education
• Improving the nutritional quality of food, improving the sustainability of food production, and/or encouraging small-scale or local food technology
• Promotion of community health & fitness, especially in children
• Advancement of community arts
• Community enrichment of any kind

Charities that provide relief or foster physical, mental, and/or community health are also urged to request sponsorship of their fund raising events. Sponsorships or donations may be large or small.  They may include gifts of cash, gift certificates, or Chatham Food Market products.  Please submit your request by email or by fax- (773) 783-2643, Attn: Mr. Griffen, or by handing in a request to our Customer Service Center.  Please submit your requests as far in advance as possible; at least two weeks notice is best for donation requests under $100.  We donate to as many groups as possible.